Agent Six, the strongest, fastest, most invincible agent in the Deck, is about to live his worst nightmare. Six is the product of an illegal genetic experiment of the Lab's some sixteen years ago. When the Deck begins investigating the Lab, he walks a tightrope between his two worlds. Life spirals out of control and leads to capture, possible torture and revelation.

Eleven year old Isabelle is a lacemaker like her mother and grandmother in the town of Versailles. It is the year 1789 and the eve of the French revolution. Isabelle is caught between being the Queen's daughter's companion, amid the luxury of the royal court, and having to earn a living lacemaking to keep her family alive.

ISBN 9781416925958

Publisher Simon & Schuster, 2007

Bradley, Kimberley Brubaker

102021

Lady Friday

Arthur Penhaligon has defeated four of the seven Trustees but his week is getting worse and worse.

When a mysterious woman comes through the gateway's portal, she sparks a series of events more explosive than anything Amelia and Charlie have ever seen. With the precious canister still missing and evil Krskn up to his terrifying tricks, it could be the end of the Gateway Hotel....and the world!

The story of a Tudor girl doomed from birth by her royal blood. When the King names her family as producers of the next heir to the throne in the absence of any off-spring of his own, Jane, at nine years of age, becomes a political pawn. She is bought to marry a nobleman's son and then traded. Finally, she has no choice but to try to snare the King of England.

ISBN 9781406312553

Series
Before they were famous series
(4 of 6)

Publisher Walker Books, 2010

Corby, Caroline

10626

Lady knight

Kel has achieved her ultimate ambition - she is a knight of Tortall. But now she must fulfil a knight's duty and fight for her country against the Scanran invasion.

ISBN 9780439963565

Series
Protector of the small series
(4 of 4)

Publisher Scholastic UK, 2004

Pierce, Tamora

12798

Lady of Ch'iao Kuo, warrior of the south AD 531

The diary of sixteen year old Lady of Ch'iao Kuo is a remarkable adventure set in Southern China in the sixth century. A born leader, Lady of Ch'iao Kuo, also known as Princess Redbird, is both courageous and keenly intelligent.

The lady of Palenque is the thirteen year old daughter of King Hanaab Pacal. She embarks on a gripping and pivotal journey to meet her husband-to-be, who is a stranger to her. A keen observer and storyteller, the princess records her own steps into adulthood, as she faces countless obstacles along the way.

ISBN 9780439409711

Series
Royal diaries series
(20 books)

Publisher Scholastic Australia, 2004

Kirwan, Anna

9270

Lady of Shalott, The

This poem inspired many great writers and artists.

ISBN 9780192723710

Publisher Oxford University Press, 1999

Tennyson, Alfred Lord

224

Lake at the end of the world, The

Two children are living in a community in an underground cave because The Counsellor has dropped toxic waste on the earth above.

ISBN 9780140379389

Publisher Penguin, 1995

MacDonald, Caroline

1743

Lake Mungo: our story

The spectacular scenery around Lake Mungo, at Willandra Lakes Region in south-west NSW, is described and its problems such as soil erosion are discussed. Accompanied by beautiful black and white photography.

Lief, Barda and their unpredictable new companion, Jasmine, are on an urgent mission to find the second stone from the magic Belt of Deltora. Their biggest challenge is the hideous guardian of the enchanted Lake of Tears.

Kimmi and Oliver are horrified when their parents make them move to a remote Pacific Island. Kimmi tries to stay out of trouble but trouble finds her.

ISBN 9780734406460

Publisher Thomas C Lothian Pty Ltd, 2004

Jones, Carol

91022

Lamplighter

Rossamund Bookchild is now a lonely, apprentice lamplighter at Winstermill, half-way through his training. His life is enlivened by the arrival of Threnody, a female wit (a lahzar or monster-hunter) who wants to train as a lamplighter, solely to spite her mother.

The Lampo Circus has arrived in Drabville! Having seen the last of Lord Aldor, the town is keen to celebrate and enjoy the circus, but the circus is not as it should be and the children of Drabville find themselves in a grim world.

Have a look at many of the landmarks of Australia, the home of some iconic architecture and all things big, including the Big Pineapple. Includes contents, websites, a glossary and ideas for related things to do.

ISBN 9781740702232

Series
Australian Library series
(6 of 21)

Publisher Heinemann, 2004

Brasch, Nicolas

18477

Lantern, The

Aidan's father goes missing at sea. Aidan lights a lantern every night to help his father home. In the light of the lantern, Aidan sees what has happened in the past and this gives him hope for his father.

Life in fourteenth century Ireland is tough for nine year old Lara. She must work hard to support her family but her heart lies with the beautiful grey mare. Looking after the horses is a boy's job. All seems hopeless especially when the mare is stolen.

ISBN 9780142402306

Series
Hoofbeats series
(1 of 3)

Publisher Puffin Australia, 2005

Duey, Kathleen

13606

Lara and the moon-colored filly

Lara vows to take care of a foal as a dying promise to the gray mare, and with the help of a childless milk-cow, she cares for the spindly-legged filly.

ISBN 9780142102312

Series
Hoofbeats series
(2 of 3)

Publisher Puffin Australia, 2005

Duey, Kathleen

3529

Last Anzacs: lest we forget, The

The personal stories of the last eighteen surviving veterans of the Gallipoli campaign. Almost ninety years after the commencement of World War I, we still support a march in honour of the ANZACs and respect their spirit.

With Eustace and Jill at his side, the King, the noble unicorn Jewel, and a few remaining loyal subjects must stand against the powers of evil and darkness and fight The Last Battle to decide the future the kingdom.

ISBN 9780064471084

Series
Chronicles of Narnia series
(7 of 7)

Publisher HarperTrophy, 2002

Lewis, C S

3708

Last day

School has almost finished for another year and Harry Harvard and Jesse Harrison are looking forward to the summer holidays. But, first they're going to make sure that the last day of school is an unforgettable one.

Nothing is more important than slaying a dragon.It will make Prince Caden's father proud, and grant him the title of Elite Paladin like his seven older brothers. But there is one big thing standing in Caden's way: he has been mysteriously transported from his home in the Great Winterlands of Razzon to Asheville, North Carolina-a land with no magic and no dragons. Or so he thinks. When he learns of a missing girl who seems to know more about magic than she should, a math teacher who looks suspiciously like the most dangerous villain ever banished from Razzon, and a mysterious "She" feared by all the teachers at school, Caden begins to realize that there is unexpected and dangerous magic in this strange land. More important, there may just be dragons here, too. But what if Caden's destiny isn't to slay a dragon after all.

ISBN 9780062308443

Publisher Harper, 2015

McKay, Laurie

57645

Last elephant, The

Colt Lawless is on the run, suddenly famous, and more than a little superhuman. Twelve years from now, rat flu has wiped out almost every animal and bird on the planet. The creatures in the Lost World Circus are the last of their kind. But the Rat Cops are determined to shut down the circus, and Colt and his acrobat friend Birdy might be the only ones who can save it, starting the world's last elephant.

Fifty years after the floating city of Sanctaphrax was swept away, the Edgeworld has changed for the worse. Cruel shrykes are in control and slave labour is endemic. When a young apprentice knight-academic, Rook, sets out on a perilous journey through the Deepwoods, he meets a mysterious stranger living with the banderbears and is propelled right into the middle of a dangerous adventure, challenging the dark might of the Guardians of the Night.

ISBN 9780552554268

Series
The Edge chronicles series
(5 of 11)

Publisher Doubleday, 2002

Stewart, Paul & Riddell, Chris (ill)

2554

Last refuge, The

A realistic and harrowing story of children's courage in the face of domestic violence, with a positive outcome.

Sam wakes from his nightmare to discover the terrifying reality. It will come true. Kidnapped from school and finding out his parents aren't who he thinks they are, Sam is suddenly running from danger at every turn. With his life and identity shattered, Sam's salvation is tied to an ancient prophecy. He is in the final battle to save the world, up against an enemy plotting to destroy us all. He alone can find the last thirteen.

An unexpected saviour ensures Sam lives to continue his search for the last 13. His next all-too-real nightmare leads him to Paris and the Council of Dreamers. With Solaris seemingly one step ahead of Sam's every move, unlikely alliances form. Treasure beyond belief beckons, while tragedy strikes at the very heart of the Academy.

Sam's deepest fears have become real and his enemies grow more powerful. Struggling to stay one step ahead, Sam must locate 11 more dreamers and solve the next piece of the puzzle. Can Sam and his allies unlock the secrets of an ancient journal to reveal their final destiny.

Sam wakes up from a nightmare to discover the terrifying reality it will come true. Kidnapped from school, he's on the run from danger at every turn. With his life and identity shattered, Sam's salvation is tied up in an ancient prophecy. He is in a final battle to save the world, up against an enemy plotting to destroy us all. He alone can find the last 13.

Sam wakes up from a nightmare to discover the terrifying reality that it will come true. Kidnapped from school, he's on the run from danger at every turn. With his life and identity shattered, Sam's salvation is tied up in an ancient prophecy. He is in a final battle to save the world, up against an enemy plotting to destroy us all. He alone can find the last 13.

At the end there is only darkness. With the final countdown now only days away, Sam and Eva must brave the dangers of Antarctica to find Alex, the twelfth Dreamer and Gear. An impossible, amazing discovery underneath the ice will bring them all closer to the end of the race but, with betrayal on every side, it will difficult to make it out alive. Sam must unite the last 13. Time is running out.

Still heartbroken by the loss of his mentor, Sam discovers the next Dreamer is someone very close to him. Together, they must travel to the other side of the world to find the eleventh Gear. On his voyage with Hans, Alex's dreams grow ever-more powerful as he encounters pirates, deep-sea peril and the harshest climate on earth. He will need all his resourcefulness just to survive.

After a dramatic sea rescue in Japan, Sam meets powerful friends ready to help him. He sets off for Cambodia, Eva faces her worst fear in the Dream Doors competition, Alex is headed out on unknown waters with the enigmatic Hans. At the legendary temple of Ankgor Wat, Sam must deal with ancient traps to escape with the next Gear. But the cost will be unimaginable. Will Sam be able to go on. He must carry on the fight.

Sam heads to Japan to meet the next Dreamer, a famous professional gamer. While at a tournament in Tokyo, Stella arrives forcing Sam and Dreamer number nine to take extreme evasive action. Alex and Shiva are captive in Shiva's apartment after being fitted with wrist bombs that will detonate if they attempt to escape, and Eva learns how participating in the Four Corners competition will help discover Solaris's location.

The barrier between dreams and reality is more blurred than ever as Sam is drawn into an age-old battle for the Dreamscape. Confusingly, the next Dreamer seems to know as much as Sam about the importance of her dreams and the search for the Gears. From the Kremlin in Moscow to the wilds of Siberia, Sam is involved in a race with an old adversary with a sinister way of staying one step ahead.

Solaris remains a constant threat as Sam's search for the next Dreamer takes him to the Grand Canyon. All is not as it seems as strange secrets and devastating betrayals force him to question all he believes in. Facing insurmountable challenges, deadly consequences seem inevitable. Their enemies grow more desperate, and they don't know who to trust.

Sam's search takes him to Cuba, where unknown pursuers, long-forgotten treasure and the perils of the ocean await. Eva and Lora's safety hangs in the balance, and Alex makes a terrifying discovery of his own, enemies are closing in on all sides. Can Sam and his friends stay one step ahead and find the next Gear in time.

Sam journeys to South America, his dream leading him to a long-lost ancient city. Hidden deep within the Amazon rainforest, he is forced to navigate deadly traps in pursuit of another Gear. Can Sam work out who the next dreamer is in time, or will his enemies succeed once more. He must find the last 13. They must fight on.

The last time Lex was happy, it was before. When her family was whole. and friends didn't look at her as if she might break down. Now, she's just the girl whose brother killed himself. Lex tries to block out the night Tyler died but regret and their last goodbye haunt her. As Lex learns to grieve and recover, she discovers that a ghost doesn't have to be real to keep you from moving on. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

ISBN 9780732299002

Publisher HarperCollins US, 2015

Hand, Cynthia

6511

Last wild trilogy, The: Dark wild, The

Twelve year old Kester Jaynes thought he had discovered the last wild animals in the land. He thought his adventure was over. He was wrong. Below the sparkling city of Premium, deep underground, a dark wild remains, animals who believe the time is right to rise up against their human enemies. Kester realises he is the only one who can stop them. Kester saved the animals and now he must try and save the humans too.

In a world where animals no longer exist, twelve year old Kester Jaynes feels like he hardly exists either. Locked away in a home for troubled children, he's told there's something wrong with him. So, when he meets talking pigeons and a bossy cockroach, Kester thinks he's finally gone mad. But, the animals have something to say and Kester embarks on a great journey. The animals saved him, now he must save the animals.

Kester Jaynes has brought the animals of his world back from the brink of disaster and he believes there is hope on the other side. And, he might just be right because the last blue whale on the planet is calling to him, his animal allies are ready for one last fight, and out there, somewhere, a brave mouse holds the key to the future.

Nine short and funny stories by some of Australia's award-winning writers of humour. Read about a mischief-making monkey, the perfect pie, a trouble-attracting Great Dane, an unlikely corn chip, a displaced King and lots of other funny things.

Nine short and funny stories by some of Australia's award-winning writers of humour. Some stories have a funny twist at the end, others are based around hilarious situations. But, all are very amusing and very enjoyable.

Laurinda is an exclusive school for girls. At its secret core is the Cabinet, a trio of girls who wield power over their classmates and some of their teachers. Entering this world of wealth and secrets is fifteen year old Lucy Lam, a scholarship girl, who has sharp eyes and a shaky sense of self. As she watches the Cabinet at work, and is courted by them, Lucy finds herself in a battle for her identity and integrity.

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Laws of magic, The series
(6 books)

Pryor, Michael

30885

Laws of magic, The: blaze of glory

Aubrey Fitzwilliam is the son of a prominent ex-prime minister. Usually, he is also brilliant at magic until he mucks up a spell that nearly kills him. With his best friend, George, Aubrey becomes involved in a dangerous political situation, where the lives of the king, the prince and his own father are threatened.

On his after-exams holiday in neighbouring Lutetia, Aubrey is hoping to bump into Caroline and find a cure for his condition. But, his family and the king all ask him to help them with various tasks, involving him and his friend, George, in magic, mystery and espionage.

Instead of clearing his name in Albion, Aubrey is pursuing his enemy, Dr. Mordecai Tremaine, deep into the heart of enemy territory. He uncovers a hideous combination of electrical science, golem manufacturing and soul-shattering magic which will bring the world far closer to the edge of the abyss. Alone, reviled and hunted, this is Aubrey's last chance to save the world. If he doesn't, there might not be a world left to save.

The war has finally erupted, sending Albion and the continent into chaos. Aubrey, George and Caroline are brought into a top-secret espionage unit and sent to investigate a mysterious, magical facility on the Gallia-Holmland border. They uncover a factory about to unleash a horror that could soon win the war. The only way to save thousands of lives could cost Aubrey his friends, his family, his reputation and even his life.

After Aubrey narrowly escapes the worst fate he can imagine, he realises he must confront his nemesis. With George and Caroline he travels to Holmland, the home of Dr Tremaine and the heart of hostile territory, only to face magical conundrums, near-death experiences, ghosts, brigands and enemies on their own ground.

Aubrey and his friend, George, are invited by Aubrey's Prime Minister father on a trip, on a top-secret submersible. The magical attack that cripples the vessel, sending it to the bottom of the sea, is just the start of a series of plots to destroy Albion. Once again, Aubrey's magical skills are tested to the full.

Layla is Griffin's best friend and he is determined to help Layla with her problem. She doesn't have a special person to take to senior citizen's day at school. The search for a suitable person leads to a new friendship.

When it comes to soccer tactics, Luke finds it difficult to see any other point of view but his own. But, when he's forced to team up with a rival, he learns that compromise can sometimes lead to success.

ISBN 9781405245258

Series
David Beckham Academy series, The
(4 books)

Publisher Egmont Childrens, 2009

The David Beckham Academy staff

18698

Leaf litter

Leaves, twigs and bark collect on the ground in forests all over the world. We call it leaf litter but it isn't really rubbish at all. Superb, detailed illustrations explore what goes on in a small patch of leaf litter beneath one tree.

Set in South Africa, orphaned Sam has to leave his affluent life in the city, his computer, his trendy clothing and his pride, to live with his aunt in a village at the back of beyond. He has to sleep on the floor in a one-roomed hut, sharing with his aunt and cousins. Sam must work out where he belongs.

ISBN 9781842707784

Publisher Andersen Press Ltd, 2008

Michael, Jan

2566

Leaving it to you

A story for more mature readers about the tentative friendship between Linda and old Mrs Pugh in the nursing home.

Lee Raven, boy thief, has stolen something he really didn't mean to. Now he faces a perilous flight through London and the murky sewers below as he tries to escape capture. Lee has stolen the Book of Nebo, a book that has existed for thousands of years and tells every story and legend known to man.

ISBN 9780141383644

Publisher Penguin, 2008

Corder, Zizou

15116

Legend of Big Red, The

Liam and Barney persuade their parents to let them camp out alone overnight to catch Big Red, the legendary giant cod rumoured to live in Bailey's Swamp. Darkness, strange noises and a thunderstorm test their determination and bravery.

The legend of Harold Lasseter who found a fabulous reef of gold in the desert. Lasseter returned with six companions but he could not find the site again. Despite help from nomads he never makes it home.

A chance meeting with a hedgehog maid who is visiting Redwall Abbey reveals to Martin, the Warrior, a glimpse of the early life and family he can scarcely remember. He sets forth from the Abbey to seek the truth about the father he barely knew.

ISBN 9780099266051

Series
Redwall series
(12 of 17)

Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2000

Jacques, Brian

Legends (including Anniversary & League of) series

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Legends (including Anniversary & League of) series
(19 books)

Panckridge, Michael

112344

Legends of Australia

Well-organised under clear headings and well-presented information on some of Australia's greatest legends including folk heroes and famous animals with contents, websites, a glossary and ideas for related things to do.

ISBN 9781740701211

Series
Australian Library series
(10 of 21)

Publisher Heinemann, 2003

Brasch, Nicolas

Legends of League series

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Legends of League series
(6 books)

Various

13240

Legends of League: Stories of community

Meet three first grade National Rugby League (NRL) players who share their experiences of growing up in diverse communities, and see how they give back to those communities.

Meet three first grade National Rugby League (NRL) players who were inspired to play at school. Find out about each player's journey, from childhood to making it in first-grade. Share the challenges and triumphs, and meet the people who have supported them to become Legends of League.

Some cultures believe there was a time when monsters and dragons roamed the earth and the gods walked among us. A time of blood, swords and furious battles, of legends, heroes, darkness and death, including human sacrifice. Myths and legends from around the world are told in gory and bloody detail.

ISBN 9780330510165

Publisher MacMillan, 2010

Horowitz, Anthony

63528

Legends: beasts and monsters

In the cold, dead eyes of the Banshee, and the hissing, spitting fangs of the Gorgon, in the fiery breath of the dragon and the razor sharp claws of the Sphinx, there is a thirst for blood and a murderous hunger. But, it is a time of heroes and the teeth and claws of these beasts are no match for their lethal blades.

ISBN 9780330510158

Publisher MacMillan, 2010

Horowitz, Anthony

16789

Lennie the legend: Solo to Sydney by pony

In 1932, a young boy, Lennie Gwyther, made a 1200 mile (1931km) return journey from rural Victoria to Sydney to witness the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. He travelled on horseback, mostly alone, camping out at night and relying on the kindness of strangers for bed and food. He encountered floods and fires, and inspired a nation coping with the Great Depression. Based on a true story.

when his family moves to Africa, Tom has mixed emotions until he spots a regal leopard outside his house. He quickly joins his new friends as they try to save the animal from being shot.

ISBN 9780330371483

Publisher Pan MacMillan, 1999

Laird, Elizabeth

13628

Lesson For Lina, A

It's 1956, the Melbourne Olympic Games are over but, for Lina, the excitement is just beginning. She has a new best friend, the school magazine is a huge hit and her parents have a surprise that will change everything. When Lina has the chance to meet her idol, the famous writer Stella Davis, it seems that all her dreams have come true.

Rachel is German and Jewish. With the outbreak of World War II, her life is changed. The family is forced to move from their comfortable home into cramped housing and, when the Nazis arrive, they don't know what is to become of them. But, Rachel's father gives her instructions that save her life. He also tells her not to speak.

Along with art, music and song, dance is an important part of Indigenous Australian culture. Dance has always been used to tell a story. NAISDA College is a great place to start to learn about Indigenous culture and dance.

It's Matt's fifteenth birthday and he receives a card from his mother, whom he grew up believing to be dead. Feeling betrayed by both his parents, he begins writing letters to Leonardo da Vinci to help sort out the mess in his head. Through the connections he makes between his own life and that of Leonardo, Matt unravels the mystery and discovers his mother's secrets. Includes complex issues about mental health.

Letty and her sister, Lavinia, have arrived in Sydney town in 1841. It's a dangerous place for two girls on their own. When Lavinia gets a job, Letty is left feeling useless and alone. Then, she meets Mary, a strange woman with a secret.

It's 1841 and if Letty wants to keep her job, she must travel with her mistress to a sheep farm in the Blue Mountains, leaving her sister, Lavinia, behind in Sydney. Letty has heard that the bush is a wild place, full of strange beasts and dangers, not to mention the bushrangers who hide out in it. And, as Letty soon learns, life on the land has plenty of challenges.

It's 1841 and Letty must leave her job on the sheep-run because drought has brought hard times. She and the Grey family set out over the Blue Mountains but, when disaster strikes, Letty needs to be much stronger than she could ever have imagined. Letty wonders if she'll ever see Sydney or her sister, Lavinia, again.

On the cusp of World War 1, Prince Aleksandar flees Austria in a Cyklop Stormwalker, a war machine that walks on two legs. In Britain, Deryn Sharp is training to be an airman, hoping no-one will discover she's a girl. She serves on the Leviathan, a massive biological airship, functioning as a self-contained ecosystem. When the two teens cross paths, the line between enemy and ally is no longer clear. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

ISBN 9780143206088

Series
The Leviathan trilogy series
(1 of 3)

Publisher Penguin Books Australia, 2009

Westerfeld, Scott & Thompson, Keith (ill)

35263

Lewis & Clark: blazing a trail west

In November 1805, after a perilous trek across North America, William Clark and Meriwether Lewis finally spotted the Pacific Ocean. It was a triumphant, hard-won victory, after risking death by starvation, wild animals, poor weather and hostile Native American tribes.

ISBN 9781402745331

Series
Sterling biographies series
(16 of 29)

Publisher Sterling Publishing Co, 2008

Burrows, John & McCloskey, John

50474

Liar & spy

George is having trouble with some boys at school, his dad has lost his job and so his mum has started working all the time. They had to sell their house and move into an apartment. But, moving into the apartment block does bring one good thing - Safer, an unusual boy who lives on the top floor. He runs a spy club and is determined to teach Georges everything he knows.

ISBN 9780385737432

Publisher Text Publishing Co, 2012

Stead, Rebecca

15425

Liar: the true story of David Mortimore Baxter

David's exaggerations become lies that result in some complicated situations with his teacher and classmates. He almost learns his lesson.

Venetia King is the coolest girl at school. Too bad Lemar is the second shortest guy in his year. Everyone calls him Liccle Bit. Things aren't much better at home. His mum is permanently hassled, his sister a frustrated single mum and his dad moved out years ago. Liccle Bit wishes he could do something to make life better. Even a new phone would be good. When a gang war breaks out, Liccle Bit somehow finds himself running errands for Crongton's notorious gang leader. But, when he hears about a killing on the estate, Liccle is forced to question his choices. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

ISBN 9780349001999

Publisher Atom Publishing, 2015

Wheatle, Alex

9281

Life bytes

A compilation of prize-winning stories from the annual ""Tim Winton Young Writers Competition"".

Thomas Timewell is sixteen, living in England in 1828, where body-snatching is rife, cut-throats are about and terrible novelists are absorbing the lives of wealthy women with nothing better to do. Contains some horror and mature themes. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

In a world where everything is monitored and controlled, the ability to time travel intrigues three teenagers. As they experiment to enhance the ability within themselves, they discover a few limitations. They can only go into the future and then must return to exactly the same spot. Perfecting their skill places them and others in extreme danger, the least of which is being discovered by the authorities.

In 1914, best mates, Jim and Charlie, abandon the Australian outback for the excitement and adventure of the war to end all wars. Jim is not quite old enough but he lies about his age. Jim and Charlie think joining the Light Horse Regiment is a bit of an adventure and that the war will be over in a few months. But, they quickly discover the brutal realities of life on the frontline.

Ellie and Davey have lost their mother and have been sent to live with a grandfather. In his attic, they discover somethingthat beloged to their mother, This leads to an adventure, involving unscrupulous seal hunters and mysterious caves.

Lilli's family is moving from the bush to the city and Lilli is sure she'll be horribly lonely. She'll miss the mangoes, she'll miss her cousins and, most of all, she'll miss her Nan. But, Nan sends a special friend south with Lilli, a secret Shadow to look after her. And, Lilli discovers life in the city isn't so bad after all.

At the end of the nineteenth century, Harriet Wilmot and her family have come to live in an inherited house in a New South Wales town. Despite the heat and unconventional schooling, Harriet is in awe of Australia and much prefers it to dreary old London. Not all the Wilmots agree. Harriet breaks rules and expectations in her efforts to convince her family to stay in this new and exciting land.

Lily loves all things dark and mysterious. So, when she discovers a magic mirror in a locked room, it seems like a dream come true. With a new friend who needs her help and an older brother who needs to get a life, Lily will require all eleven fingers at her disposal, plus a hefty slice of Grandad's chocolate cake, to fix a long-forgotten mystery that's very close to home.

The Black Empire is crumbling and the miners are in revolt. Manuelo, a strange figure, is believed to be responsible. But when a stolen dragonet full of fleeing miners arrives in Ashby Water, Lily Quench has to decide whether Manuelo is friend or foe.

At the end of the earth is Skellig Lir, a dreamy, enchanted island that is inhabited by people with strange powers. To get there, Lily Quench and Queen Dragon must brave magic, storms and seas swarming with deadly sea dragons.

Lily must save her friend Queen Dragon from the bloodthirsty clutches of the magicians, and she and Queen Dragon must find the secret locations of the Eyes in Time before the magicians find them and imprison them forever.

Something strange is happening in the Black Mountains. The Black Empire, now run by evil General Sark, is crumbling and its miners are in revolt. The revolution is rumoured to be led by a Robin Hood like figure, Manuelo, who has previously stolen some of the king's treasure. No one knows who's side he is on so Lily must journey to the Black mines to confront Manuelo.

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Lily Quench series
(8 books)

Prior, Natalie Jane

7471

Lina at the Games

It's 1956 and the Melbourne Olympic Games have finally arrived. The whole city is buzzing with excitement and Lina can't wait to go along as a reporter for the school magazine. Now is her chance to prove to everyone that she's a real writer. Nothing could be more important until Lina makes a new friend who changes the way she sees the world.

It's 1956...and Lina dreams of being a writer, but her strict Italian parents have other ideas. Now that she's won a scholarship to an expensive girls school, Lina has other troubles, too. But the Melbourne Olympic Games could be an opportunity for Lina to follow her dream of working on the school paper. Journey with Lina across all four exciting stories about a passionate girl finding a place to belong. Imaginative, kind and hard-working, Lina is an unforgettable Australian Girl.

It's 1956 and Lina is working hard on the school newspaper but mean Sarah Buttersworth isn't making it easy. When Lina's best friend, Mary, gets distracted by her new television, things begin to fall apart. Meanwhile, at home, Lina starts to uncover some dark family secrets. Living in two such different worlds isn't easy and, when tragedy strikes, she makes a decision that causes her many lives to collide.

Lintang dreams of having adventures on the High Seas. When a deadly mythie attacks the same day the infamous Captain Shafira visits her island, Lintang gets her chance, defending her village with the bravery that earns her a place on the pirate queen's ship. But they've barely left the island when Lintang discovers her best friend, Bayani, has stowed away. Telling Captain Shafira means betraying her friend, but keeping Bayani's secret risks everything...including their lives.

Lulu dreams that, one day, she will be the lion drummer in the Chinese dragon parade. But, through years of tradition, the drummer has always been a male and Lulu is told that girls cannot learn the drums.

Four children are evacuated to the country in war-torn England. Playing inside an old wardrobe, they discover a magical land.

ISBN 9780007115617

Series
Chronicles of Narnia series
(1 of 7)

Publisher HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, UK, 2001

Lewis, C S

1092

Lion: A long way home

It is hard to imagine being lost and not finding your way home again. Saroo Brierley became lost on a train in India at the age of 4. Not knowing the name of his family or where he was from, he survived for weeks on the streets of Kolkata, before being taken into an orphanage and adopted by an Australian couple. This is the story of Saroo's journey to finding his way back home, through his memories, using a map of India and poring over satellite images on Google Earth. This incredible true story is about one man's journey back to India to see if he could find his mother.

Charlie meets six lions while stowed away on a circus ship bound for Paris on his quest to find his parents. Contains mature themes.

ISBN 9780141317267

Series
Lionboy series
(1 of 3)

Publisher Puffin Australia, 2004

Corder, Zizou

Lionboy series

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Lionboy series
(3 books)

Corder, Zizou

16642

Lionboy: the chase

Charlie Ashanti is on the run with six homesick, beautiful lions. He has promised to help the lions find their way back to the circus but Charlie has his own problems. His parents have been kidnapped and Charlie is being hunted by villains.

ISBN 9780141380537

Series
Lionboy series
(2 of 3)

Publisher Penguin Books Ltd, UK, 2004

Corder, Zizou

21411

Lionboy: the truth

Charlie has found his parents, but his old enemies are closing in and hunting the Ashanti family. Contains mature themes.

ISBN 9780141317571

Series
Lionboy series
(3 of 3)

Publisher Penguin, 2006

Corder, Zizou

2614

Lioness rampant

Accompanied by the legendary Shang Dragon, Alanna must attempt the impossible - recover the fabled Dominion jewel. And she must work fast. Tortall is in terrible danger. Roger Conte is back.

ISBN 9781862917361

Series
Song of the lioness series
(4 of 5)

Publisher Scholastic UK, 2007

Pierce, Tamora

9225

Lionheart: a journey of the human spirit

The inspirational sailing adventure of Jesse Martin's solo voyage around the world.

Lirael has never felt like a true daughter of the Clayr, abandoned by her mother and ignorant of her father's identity. She doesn't even have the Sight, the ability to See into the present and possible futures, that is the birthright of the Clayr. She must undertake a desperate mission against an ancient evil that blocks the Sight of the Clayr and threatens to break the boundary between Life and Death itself.

Lisette's gap year after high school begins with a three month trip to Paris. Lisette has never known her father who left before she was born, and knows how much her mother has done for her, so this trip is fulfilling one of her mother's dreams. But is it hers? Should she study art history as her mother wants, when vintage clothing is really her passion? Plus there is the hope that the city of love will weave its magic. When it does there are many hard decisions to make.

ISBN 9781760293635

Publisher Allen & Unwin Pty Ltd, 2017

Bateson, Catherine

42446

Listener, The

When Gavin arrives at his grandmother's house, she is nowhere to be found. Thoughts of the football match he is missing and seeing his mates seem insignificant as he realises that he has to find her and soon. Heavy snow is falling and it is getting dark. A trail of footsteps in the snow provides a vital clue and help comes in an unexpected way.

Eleven-year-old Matty desperately wants to be a famous chef and escape his horrible aunty. His opportunity comes when a grand cook-off is held, to see who can entice the finicky princess to eat. Unwittingly, the princess is the victim of an alien curse, designed to leave a foul taste in her mouth.

Little Fur is an elf troll who lives in a secret wilderness at the heart of a great human city. She is a healer of the environment and connected to the earth. One day, Crow tells of humans who are coming to burn the trees. To protect her home and her friends, Little Fur must venture into the dangerous human world.

Gabriel is apprenticed to a stonemason, a cruel master. When the opportunity presents itself, he runs away to join a troupe of travelling mystery players.

ISBN 9780192717801

Publisher Oxford University Press, 1998

McCaughrean, Geraldine

13614

Little Manfred

Charley and her brother, Alex, are walking their dog, Manfred, on the beach when they meet two old men staring out to sea. They meet by chance and discover how the men are involved in their mother's past and where the name for their dog really came from.

The adventures of the boys from the school and more of the story of the March family, set at Plumfield School, run by Jo and her husband on the lines of her husband's theories of education.

ISBN 9780140367133

Series
Little women series
(3 of 6)

Publisher Penguin, 1995

Alcott, Louisa May

24023

Little paradise

In Melbourne, in 1943, Mirabel is seventeen. She's leaving school, designing drsses and falling in love. Then, fate intervenes, her forbidden affair is discovered and JJ is posted back to China where a civil war is raging. Despite all warnings, Mirabel sets off for Shanghai and travels through great danger to find her true love. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

Karim and his seventeen year old brother, Jamal, live with their family in Ramallah, Palestine under Israeli military occupation. During the war, Karim meets Hopper, a teenager living in a refugee situation and, together, they fight to claim a little piece of ground for their sporting matches. Yet, even this is claimed by Israeli tanks and the boys experience a fight for their lives.

ISBN 9780330437431

Publisher MacMillan, 2003

Laird, Elizabeth

2637

Little prince, The

The whimsical story of an airman's discovery of a very appealing small boy from another planet in the desert. A thought-provoking allegory of the human condition that has become a classic.

ISBN 9781853261589

Publisher Wordsworth Editions Ltd, 2002

de Saint-Exupery, Antoine

48081

Little prince, The

A stunning, graphic adaptation from Antoine de Saint-Exupery's classic children's book, Le Petit Prince, which tells the whimsical story of an airman's discovery of a very appealing, small boy from another planet. A thought-provoking allegory of the human condition.

The world is changing for two girls in China is the 1970s. Da Qin and her sister live in the city of Wuhan with their parents. When their country's leader, Chairman Mao, dies, new opportunities begin to emerge. The sisters soon learn that their childhood will be much different than the upbringing their parents experienced. Eight short stories-based on the author's own life- give readers a unique look at what it was like to grow up in China during this important time in history.

The classic story of the four March sisters, growing up in a close, American family during the Civil War. Even though money is short, times are tough and their father is away at war, the girls' infectious sense of fun sweeps everyone up in their adventures. Through sisterly squabbles, their happy times and sad ones too, the sisters discover that growing up is sometimes very hard to do.

ISBN 9781904633273

Series
Little women series
(1 of 6)

Publisher CRW Publishing, 2004

Alcott, Louisa May

Little women series

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Little women series
(6 books)

Alcott, Louisa May

51430

Little wooden horse, The

In eighteenth century London, two children, Elizabeth and Tom, are so hungry, they steal a loaf of bread from the bakery. They are caught and transported to Australia aboard a convict ship. Their time on board is harrowing and the voyage is certainly not smooth sailing. By the time they arrive in New South Wales, Tom is ill with fever and his fate unknown.

How would it feel to find out that there was another world out there, a world beneath the world, hidden away like the secret caramel centre of a chocolate or a pearl tucked in an oyster's shell? A world where Alice could be accepted, even loved? To know that the world existed, but that she could never go there, that the doors would always be locked against her...Millie didn't want to think about it.

ISBN 9781481470742

Publisher Aladdin Publishing, 2016

Weiner, Jennifer

3776

Littlest witch, The

Thirteen year old triplets, Gwen, Nel and Rain discover that they are a witch, an elf and a vampire. Their lives take an extraordinary twist as they are thrown into another world in their quest to defeat Driath, the most evil witch of all.

ISBN 9780330423571

Publisher Pan MacMillan, 2010

Allars, Martine

8343

Live action

Sam discovers that the house next to his aunt's place is being used to store action figures from all his favourite premier rugby league teams. Sam's enemy, Vipers' player Vinny Taranto, might be involved. To rescue the struggling premier league club he has bought, Vinny's father is using microchips in the action figures to control the players, via the logos on their new jumpers.

Christopher's destiny, by virtue of his possession of nine lives, is to be the next Chrestomanci, a position of awesome magical responsibility, but he rebels against it.

ISBN 9780688163655

Publisher HarperCollins US, 1998

Jones, Diana Wynne

9227

Livewire investigates Aboriginal studies: traditional technologies

In Indigenous peoples' culture, technology means making tools and other useful things from natural materials such as wood, stone and animals' skins. Find out about traditional technologies, thousands of years old, that are used for fishing, hunting and preparing food.

This series is about living in the environment, with a special focus on the foods and medicines that are an integral part of the survival of indigenous peoples all around Australia. Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Living with the land series
(3 books)

Various

30678

Lizzie and Margaret Rose

In 1940, bombs are falling in London. Ten year old Margaret Rose survives a deadly raid but her family and home are destroyed. In faraway Townsville in Queensland, Margaret's aunt is ready to take her in but her cousin, Lizzie, is not so sure and certainly doesn't want to share her room. But, first, Margaret Rose must undertake a long and dangerous voyage to a strange country, also at war. She knows it's not going to be easy, and Lizzie's not about to make it any easier.

The story of a young girl in Victorian England who's mother, after her father's death, has remarried a gentleman disliked by Lizzie. She is sent to London to stay with her aunt and uncle during the lead-up to the birth of a sibling.

ISBN 9780746060308

Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2004

Geras, Adele

233

Load of unicorn, The

Bendy, whose family runs a scrivener's shop, solves the mystery when the master printer, William Caxton, fails to receive the paper shipped to him aboard the cargo ship, Madalena. A classic about the Caxton printing press.

ISBN 9780749746964

Publisher Egmont Childrens, 2001

Harnett, Cynthia

2659

Loaded dog, The

Gold miners Andy, Dave and Jim are sinking a shaft at Stoney Creek. After a hard day's fishing, Andy and Dave decide that it would be easier to blow the fish out of the water...but their young dog becomes curious about their experiment, with explosive results!

What secrets lie in the ruins of Loamhedge? When young haremaid Martha Braebuck arrived at Redwall Abbey, she was unable to walk - and no beast knows why.

ISBN 9780141312828

Series
Redwall series
(16 of 17)

Publisher Penguin, 2004

Jacques, Brian

51865

Lobster boy

Skiff Beaman needs to fix his family's fishing boat but, to do this, he needs money. With his Dad spending his days on the TV couch since his mother died, Skiff decides that fishing for Bluefin tuna is his only solution.

ISBN 9780746090824

Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2008

Philbrick, Rodman

53918

Locket of dreams, The

Sophie falls asleep wearing a locket which belonged to her great-great-great-grandmother and is magically transported to 1858 to learn the truth about Charlotte Mackenzie, how she came to be in Australia and what happened to the family's priceless sapphire.

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Lockie Leonard series
(3 books)

Winton, Tim

234

Lockie Leonard, human torpedo

When Lockie moves to a coastal town where his dad is the new police officer, he has trouble settling in. Live each agonising, embarrassing adolescent moment as he makes friends and has a torrid love affair with Vickie, prettiest girl in town.

When Lockie moves to a coastal town where his dad is the new police officer, he has trouble settling in. Live each agonising, embarrassing adolescent moment as he makes friends and has a torrid love affair with Vickie, prettiest girl in town.

The further adventures of Lockie Leonard as he holds his family together during his mum's illness. Adolescent issues are explored within strong family relationships. Courage, character and humour prevail even when Lockie is sorely tested.

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Lockwood & Co series
(3 books)

Stroud, Jonathan

3954

Lockwood & Co: Hollow boy, The

As a supernatural outbreak baffles Scotland Yard and causes protests against the psychic agencies, Lockwood and Co continue to demonstrate their effectiveness in exterminating spirits. A new haunting in an old school involves bloody handprints and the appearance of a glowing boy. But, ghosts seem to be the least of their concerns when living assassins attack during a carnival in the centre of the city.

ISBN 9781101917374

Series
Lockwood & Co series
(3 books)

Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2015

Stroud, Jonathan

17952

Lockwood & Co: Whispering skull, The

Anthony, Lucy, and George of Lockwood & Co are searching for the mysterious Dr Bickerstaff to find the secret of communicating with the dead. A rival agency also wants the commission and the search becomes a challenge. The loser must publicly admit defeat. A fearsome phantom seems a real challenge until the whispering skull that Lucy has brought along becomes the key to saving life, limb and friendships.

ISBN 9780857532664

Series
Lockwood & Co series
(3 books)

Publisher Doubleday, 2014

Stroud, Jonathan

25127

Lockwood and Co: Screaming staircase, The

Psychic Investigation Agencies have sprung up everywhere to deal with a horrifying epidemic of ghosts. Ambitious agent, Lucy Carlyle, arrives in London, hoping for a notable career. Instead, she joins the smallest most ramshackle agency, run by charismatic Anthony Lockwood. When a case goes horribly wrong, the agency must salvage its reputation. This means spending the night in a haunted house and trying to escape alive.

ISBN 9780552566780

Series
Lockwood & Co series
(3 books)

Publisher Corgi Books, 2014

Stroud, Jonathan

36932

London: everything you ever wanted to know

This is not a guidebook. And it is definitely 'not-for-parents'. It is the real, inside story about one of the world's most famous cities - London. In this book you'll read fascinating tales about famous and infamous people, creepy underground places, dark history and strange characters galore. Check out cool stories about graffiti artists and murdering princes. You'll find royalty, punks and sleuths and some amazingly weird food.

ISBN 9781742204994

Series
Not-for-parents series
(8 books)

Publisher Lonely Planet Publications, 2011

Lamprell, Klay

27495

Loneliness of distant beings, The

Seren longs to have the sunshine on her skin. But, when you're floating through space at thousands of kilometres an hour, you have to accept there are things you cannot change. But, when Dom arrives in her life, he changes everything and, for a while, he becomes the Sun for her. Being with him flaunts every rule designed to keep their home in order but to lose him would be like losing herself. In the end, they must decide what is most important, loyalty to the only home they've ever known or to each other.

ISBN 9781510200166

Publisher Little, Brown & Co, 2016

Ling, Kate

2666

Long patrol, The

As Tammo dreams of joining the Long Patrol, the legendary army of fighting hares that serves the Lady Cregga Rose Eyes, the brutal reality of a battle with Damug Warfang's battalion of savage Rapscallions fast approaches.

ISBN 9780441005994

Series
Redwall series
(10 of 17)

Publisher Ace, 1999

Jacques, Brian

40570

Long walk to water, A

Based on a true story, this is a dual narrative about the harsh realities of life in Sudan. Nya's story relates to her daily struggle for water and survival. Salva's journey spans fifteen years after rebels attack his village and he is forced to flee into the bush to avoid being recruited. He joins hundreds of displaced people heading for a refugee camp in Ethiopia, all the while searching for his family.

In 1931, a family's mother falls ill and their only hope is to reach their father working on the Great Ocean Road. The children set off on a long journey, with only a pram filled with their belongings, meeting all types of people on the way.

Sophisticated, simply well-written short stories that would appeal to both boys and girls dealing with mature themes including life choices, complex relationships and even time travel. Some strong language in context, may offend some readers.

ISBN 9780702235894

Publisher University of Queensland Press, 2006

Caswell, Brian

5049

Lord Brocktree

Ungatt Trunn, the wildcat who can make the stars fall from the sky, has attacked with his Blue Hordes, and is determined that the fortress should be his.

ISBN 9781862301450

Series
Redwall series
(13 of 17)

Publisher Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 2007

Jacques, Brian

Lord of the rings series

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Lord of the rings series
(3 books)

Tolkien, J R R

26889

Lord Sunday

Arthur Penhaligon must complete his quest to save the Kingdom he is heir to.

Danny Shine is in year seven. He isn't the most popular guy at school but he manages to stay out of trouble. That is, until Danny discover his name is on the Loser List in the girls' bathroom. When he gets caught trying to cross his name off the loser, Danny is sent to detention. He thought he had problems before but detention places him in a whole new world of trouble.

ISBN 9780545240048

Publisher Scholastic US, 2011

Kowitt, H N

52035

Lost barkscrolls, The

A fantastic addition to the Edge Chronicles series. Four exciting tales include well-known characters from the Edgeworld.

ISBN 9780552555999

Series
The Edge chronicles series
(11 of 11)

Publisher Corgi Books, 2008

Stewart, Paul & Riddell, Chris (ill)

78468

Lost castle, The

When Queen Tayesha threatens to conquer all seven kingdoms of Krangor and break the ancient bond between the saur and the land, one young noble vows to stop her. Adalon's promise sets him and his loyal friends, Targesh and Simangee, on a perilous quest. Series is best read in book order.

When the Japanese invaded the Dutch East Indies, now Indonesia, four year old Annelex Hofstra was taken to a Japanese prison camp. Her carefree, comfortable world was turned upside down. Annelex describes her over three years in the camp, living in fear of punishment, starvation, infection and separation.

When Lady Naomi's long-lost brother appears through the gateway, everyone is stunned. Finally, they might learn something about her mysterious past. But in Forgotten Bay, things are never what they seem. Is Lady Naomi's brother hiding something sinister? It will take all of Amelia's wit's to figure it out.

Thursday Next, literary detective and registered dodo owner, hears the disturbing news that her husband of one month drowned thirty-eight years ago. Someone, somewhere, sometime is responsible. To find out, Thursday heads back into fiction, where lost Shakespearian manuscripts, narrative loopholes and woolly mammoth migrations await. Sophisticated writing and humour, some coarse language. Usually read by students in Years 9,10 or above.

ISBN 9780142004036

Series
Thursday Next series
(2 of 6)

Publisher Penguin, 2004

Fforde, Jasper

13690

Lost in Babylon

After defeating the Colossus of Rhodes and capturing the first of the Loculi, their friend Marco has disappeared. With no leads, no clues, and no one else to turn to, the kids have no choice but to trust Professor Bhegad and the Karai Institute again as they head off to Babylon in search of the next orb.

ISBN 9780007515059

Series
Seven wonders series
(2 of 3)

Publisher HarperCollins Children's Books, 2014

Lerangis, Peter

18624

Lost property

Josh feels lost in his rapidly coming adult world. His family are haunted by the disappearance of his older brother, Michael. Josh's relationship with his girlfreind is full of teenage angst and tension. His holiday job in the lost property department with the philosophical Clive reveals that adult emotions are just as complex. Josh decides he must bring Michael home no matter what. Some strong language used in context.

Marli is staying with her dad in Melbourne, and missing her friends. Then she discovers a mystery- an abandoned mansion, Riversleigh, is to be returned to her family after many years. Marli sneaks into the locked garden to explore, and meets Luca, a boy who has his own connection to Riversleigh.
In 1922, Violet is fifteen and lives at Riversleigh. Her life is filled with boating parties, picnics and extravagant balls. An army of servants looks after her family- including the young Russian chauffeur, Nikolai. Over one summer Violet must decide what is important to her.

Any two books from this series may be read as Challenge books and up to five more can be read as personal choice books. Go to the online booklists for the PRC ID of the individual books in this series.

Series
Lost world circus series
(4 books)

D'Ath, Justin

6246

Lost: a true tale from the bush

Imagine trying to survive in the Australian bush, in winter, without food and very little water. Almost 150 years ago, three young children found themselves in just this predicament. Somehow, they managed to keep going for over a week, walking nearly 100 kilometres trying to find their way home.

Come on a guided tour around the world and discover the many things that make each place unique. Sleepy sloths, colourful cows, prolific pastries, staggering skylines and teeming traffic; you'll be surprised what you find along the way. There' so much to discover, experience and learn from our planet.

Since his mother's death, Bully has lost his old life. Living rough in London with his dog, Bully can't imagine his future. But, one day, Bully finds a winning lottery ticket in the last birthday card his Mum ever gave him. It suddenly offers such hope. If only he can get to his prize on time. But, life is not that simple. Bully's struggle to survive just got a whole lot harder. They're after him on the streets, everyone wants a piece of him.

ISBN 9781406358292

Publisher Walker Books, 2015

Byrne, Michael

3851

Lotterys plus one, The

Meet the Lotterys: a unique and diverse family featuring four parents, seven kids and five pets all living happily together in their big old house, Camelottery. Nine-year-old Sumac is the organizer of the family and is looking forward to a long summer of fun. But when their grumpy and intolerant grandad comes to stay, everything is turned upside down.

ISBN 9781509803194

Publisher MacMillan, 2017

Donoghue, Emma

2702

Lottie project, The

Miss Beckworth insists on calling her by her proper name, Charlotte, and makes her sit next to Jamie Edwards, the most stuck-up, boring boy in the class. Now they have to do a project on Victorian times. Charlie learns a lot about friendship, teachers and how lucky she is not to be living in Victorian times.

ISBN 9780440868538

Publisher Corgi Books, 2008

Wilson, Jacqueline & Sharratt, Nick (ill)

17531

Louis beside himself

When a burglar jumps through the kitchen window one night, Louis knows he should get him in a wrestling-hold while he has the advantage, but his heart is hammering and his legs feel like wobbly air. Louis Beside Himself is a hilarious and companionable story about losing your words, finding your courage and arm-wrestling your way out of big trouble.

When Poppy and Graham are whisked off to a Greek island to watch musician Bill Strummer marry in the celebrity wedding of the year, they are expecting sun, sea and a hint of scandal. But, things begin to turn sour when Bill's distressed, former wife turns up, claiming that he still loves her. Then, wedding guests start to die of supposedly natural causes, and Poppy and Graham are forced to investigate.

ISBN 9781406328653

Series
Poppy Fields series
(9 books)

Publisher Walker Books, 2011

Landman, Tanya

239

Love me, love me not

This is a collection of short stories about the ups and downs of adolescence.

Narrative poem about an endearingly unassuming, straight-talking boy who discovers the powers and pleasures of the poems studied at school with his teacher, Ms Stretchberry. He creates a poem about his new dog and writes to one of the poets.

ISBN 9780747556169

Publisher Bloomsbury, 2001

Creech, Sharon

37085

Love, Aubrey

After her father and younger sister die in a car accident, Aubrey's mother can't cope and abandons her. Aubrey goes to live with her grandmother in Vermont and finds solace in gran's love. When her mother reappears, Aubrey must decide whether to return home or stay. Highly emotive, requiring a mature reader. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

ISBN 9780141327129

Publisher Penguin Books Australia, 2009

LaFleur, Suzanne

7342

Loving Richard Feynman

Richard Feynman was a Nobel Prize-winning physicist. Catherine is a science-loving, fifteen year old, just trying to survive school. When Catherine's father gives her a photo of the gifted scientist, she develops a crush on him. Eventually, Catherine has to deal with betrayal by both her father and her idol. Some teenage drinking and strong language, used in context. Usually read by students in Years 9, 10 and above.

They were loyal creatures, the men and horses of the Australian Light Horse. But war doesn't always pay heed to loyalty. This is the powerful story of a young man's journey towards his own kind of bravery.

Twelve year old Tugs Button lives in a small town in USA in 1929. Her eccentric family hasn't known much luck over the years and Tugs vows to turn that around, When she befriends popular Aggie Millhouse, wins a new camera and stumbles into a mystery only she can solve, things begin to change. It just may be that being a Button is precisely what one funny, spirited, and observant young heroine decides to make of it.

ISBN 9780763650667

Publisher Candlewick Press, 2011

Ylvisaker, Anne

4455

Lucky Thamu

These school holidays, Eli is going by himself to visit his much-loved Thamu (grandfather), who lives near the goldfields. They're going camping and prospecting, and Eli will listen to Thamu's stories and learn about country. But, when they camp to speck for gold, Eli seems more interested in chasing a white rabbit.

Lucy van Loon knows she's a good girl. She wonders why she's always sitting on the Time Out chair. After all, she had a good reason for tipping Jacinta's pencils all over the floor and for shrieking when her grumpy aunt called her a greedy liar. Her aunt has brought something from Holland that Lucy wishes she'd never seen. Now, she has to figure out how to avoid it, and fast. It's time to prove she really is Lucy the Good.

Not all is froth and bubble in Lucy's celebrity world. Her parents are on the verge of breaking up over some earth-shattering rumours and Lucy must come to terms with their fallibility and her own. Lucy juggles the cat walk, the soccer pitch, the high life and the good life as she learns the value of relationships.

Lucy appears to have everything, looks, brains, her parents are an international sports star and owners of a successful fashion label. All they want is for her to be a top fashion model, even more successful than her mother. But Lucy has the soccer gene and all she wants is to be as successful as her father who plays for Milan.

All the boys in Luke's art class see things the same way, except for Luke. When Luke visits an art gallery, he sees some amazing paintings and, whoever created them, sees things just the way Luke does. Luke feels as though he fits in.

Following an accident, Rene's twin brother, Theo, lies unconscious, with massively disrupted brain function. An experimental procedure, risky, scientifically exciting and ethically questionable, could allow Theo to gain a new life. Only Rene can give the required consent. But, first, there is the question of Rene's capacity to make the decision and this is where the real story begins. Challenging read, usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or above.

ISBN 9781922182753

Publisher Text Publishing Co, 2016

Beckett, Bernard

Lulu Baker trilogy series

Any two titles read from this series can be included as official Challenge books; up to five more titles can be included as your personal choice books. To see the individual book titles and their PRC ID numbers, go to the Series lists on the Booklists page, on the website. Or, you can search for a series name or the individual titles by using the Search function on the top left hand corner of the screen.

Series
Lulu Baker trilogy series
(3 books)

Dunbar, Fiona

7985

Luna Laboratorium, The

Armed with the knowledge that their mum might still be alive, the Caddy kids - Kick, Bert, Scruff and Pin - have vowed to find her. They'll comb the whole world if they have to. But, it seems that Mum's last-known location is closer to home. With bewildered Uncle Basti and their mysterious friend, Bone, determined to tag along, they set off for Sydney. Secret tunnels and outback misadventures await.

A history of the discovery of gold in Australia, detailing significant events, the gold rushesa and modern and old mining methods.

ISBN 9781863919722

Series
Australian Library series
(21 of 21)

Publisher Heinemann, 2000

Sedunary, Anthony

113164

Lurkers, The

A disturbing tale of strange and dangerous beings beyond the physical world. When fourteen year old Verity sees a weird, semi-visible figure, her brother tells her it is a harmless Lurker. But Lurkers feed on human imagination and this one is using her brother to become more solid and independent. Verity must fight to save her brother's mind.

ISBN 9780746070659

Publisher Usborne Publishing Ltd, 2006

Butler, Charles

241

Lyddie

Lyddie is a survivor of hard times in a nineteenth century American cotton mill.

ISBN 9780140373899

Publisher Puffin USA, 1995

Paterson, Katherine

45692

Lying carpet, The

In an unused living room in a large house, there is a tiger rug on the floor, a statue of a little girl on the window sill and an armchair. The tiger cannot see anything except the skirting board and the chair can only look at the opposite wall. When the statue comes to life, the conversation that ensues is highly individual.